I consider research as the process of going up different pathways to arrive at a verifiable finding. My research is organized around three interdisciplinary research programs. The first is centered on my dissertation analyzing the varying levels of governing state capacity and religious establishment embeddedness capacity to resist violent armed jihadism in West Africa.​

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​My first upcoming book project, “Resisting Violence: Religious Communities and States in West Africa,” provides a detailed examination of the complex linkages between the capacity of Sahelian states in West Africa and their predominantly religious communities to manage violent jihadism. This study highlights how these interconnected dynamics significantly influence counterterrorism processes, particularly through community radicalization at varying levels. Unlike conventional rebel wars of the past, this jihadist conflict in West Africa presents unique challenges to the democratic process and national and international security. Through a comprehensive analysis of both historical and contemporary issues, my research draws on over seven years of meticulous archival research and in-depth qualitative interviews conducted in Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Gambia, and beyond, illuminating the intricate factors at play in this volatile region.

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This research was conducted in conflict hotspots where social order and governance have broken down, making these areas critical for study. Field research in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically between 2019 and 2021. These regions face heightened vulnerabilities to extremist threats, and their health systems and resources have become increasingly scarce.Despite these challenges, the fieldwork connected me with communities affected by conflict during the pandemic, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowerment. My work amplifies local voices and experiences through the findings, advocating for scholarly and policies that address specific needs while promoting peacebuilding interventions.
 

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